Shved: special interdepartmental commission to deal with the return of repentant people into Belarus
Speaking with journalists following a meeting on the socio-political situation in the country and the state of crime, Belarus’ Prosecutor General Andrei Shved noted that the situation in the country allows us to address the issues of returning to their homeland those people who, for some reason, left the country after the events of 2020, but sincerely repented
In particular, he said, “Our country has an absolutely manageable and calm situation. People live a peaceful, calm life. Without fear, at any time they walk along our streets, walk with children. Therefore, the law enforcement unit will continue to do everything necessary to ensure public safety.”
Speaking of the return of the repentant people, the Prosecutor General stated, “Of course, there is such an opportunity, and they will definitely have it. A fundamental decision has been made: an interdepartmental commission will be set up, headed by the Prosecutor General. This commission will include representatives of the public, deputies, officials of state bodies. Those who are abroad and wish to return to their homeland, but are afraid of something, will have an opportunity to apply to the commission and receive an appropriate explanation. This information will be posted in all media.”
In this case, the applicant will be informed about the possibility of return, about the presence or absence of any claims from the state authorities to this particular person. Andrei Shved underlined, “The work will be carried out not in a crowd, but individually. A positive decision will be made in respect of those persons who did not commit a crime and didn’t encroach on our constitutional order; those who have repented and really want to return and live a peaceful and calm life in our country.”
At the same time, the Prosecutor General noted that even in relation to those who committed crimes, but repented, there are enough legal mechanisms for making decisions, “Everyone will be given a chance to return home and live a calm and peaceful life. But if a person committed a crime, a decision will be made in accordance with the law, as in any other legal state.”
At the same time, Andrei Shved stressed, “This does not mean that the law enforcement bloc and other state bodies will weaken their work to counter extremism. All those who encroach on the constitutional order of our country will be brought before the law and will be held accountable. Our position is unchanged, and this was once again underlined today by the Head of State.”
The Prosecutor General also said that it would be possible to apply to the commission in any form: in writing, by email, in person, “The essence of the issue rather than the form is vital. It is important that a person is worried and what he did or did not do, that is the question. Therefore, each case will be studied individually. Further on, if there are grounds, the documents will be transferred either to the bodies of the Prosecutor’s Office or to another law enforcement agency, where in accordance with the law if necessary and – most importantly – if there are grounds, appropriate decisions will be made. Everything will be done quickly and clearly, but the main thing is repentance and a sincere desire of a person to live a peaceful and calm life, not to commit illegal acts.”
Andrei Shved drew attention to an important nuance, “Actually, many of them are not accused of anything, they are not suspected. But they were so brainwashed that they made up something for themselves. First of all, they should contact us, and we should tell the person: there are no complaints against you, you can safely return to the country and live a peaceful life.”
According to the Prosecutor General, there are also people who themselves clearly know or feel that there is something behind them. The commission will double-check the information and provide the data as it is: what the person did, what responsibility is envisaged, and what legal mechanisms will work in case of repentance. An appropriate explanation will be given by the responsible official and the answer about the absence of claims will become a document that can be presented, if necessary, at the border and then calmly go home.”
The regulation of the commission’s activity will be determined by the Decree of the President, which is supposed to be developed in the shortest possible time.
